Colombia secured a 2-0 victory against a disappointing South Korea in their Women’s World Cup opener, with gifted teenager Linda Caicedo scoring.
The 18-year-old Real Madrid striker, who conquered cancer three years ago, benefited from a glaring goalkeeping mistake against South Korea.
One of the best young attackers in women’s football, Caicedo has now scored at the Under-17 World Cup, the Under-20 World Cup, and the biggest one of them all.
Catalina Usme had earlier scored a penalty for Nelson Abadia’s side, losing Copa America finalists to Brazil last year.
They move onto three points in Group H with Germany, who thrashed Morocco 6-0 on Monday. Germany and Colombia meet next.
Coach Colin Bell brought on Casey Phair, making her the youngest Women’s World Cup player at 16 years and 26 days.
The lone bright spot for South Korea, who made a better start in Sydney sunshine before 24,000 spectators.
Colombia
Tottenham Hotspur’s Cho So-hyun’s goalbound attempt deflected wide, and Choe Yu-ri missed a chance with a tame shot.
Colombia have a reputation for being physical, and with strong backing from their noisy and colourful fans, so it proved.
Defender Manuela Vanegas was booked after only 10 minutes as they struggled to get a foothold.
Colombia, nicknamed “the Powerpuff Girls,” took the lead in the World Cup on their third appearance with a half-hour goal.
Defender Shim blocked a goalbound shot with her hand, and Usme converted the resulting penalty past a wrong-footed goalkeeper.
The goal spurred South Americans, and they led 2-0 six minutes before half-time due to a huge error.
Caicedo, an ovarian cancer survivor, received the ball on the left, cut in, and struck it from outside the box.